IEDA Green-Lights More Tax Breaks for Orascom Fertilizer Plant

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A state board has approved $25 million in extra tax breaks for a company building a giant fertilizer plant in Wever.

The Quad-City Times reports the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board on Friday approved the tax breaks for the Lee County plant after the Iowa Fertilizer Company pledged to add 11 more jobs. The project’s total cost now totals $1.9 billion, and it will employ 180 people.

According to board documents, approval of the request brings the total amount of tax benefits the state has provided to the company to $107.5 million.

The construction of the plant near Wever is one of the largest economic development projects in state history.